Found:
Temptation. Lots of it.
In all my years in this wretched land, I don't recall ever bothering to step foot in Kingstead. I was too busy trying to get out to head further in. It should be a pity, I suppose. Edoras is really quite fetching. From a distance. And the plains themselves are suitably green and fertile. Beautiful enough for even a heart as jaded as mine to sigh wistfully at the way the wind stirs the grass.
Damn you, Rohan! Stop giving me reasons to despise you slightly less!
Naturally, I kept my distance from the city, such as it is, and any other homestead or small village I passed by. It wouldn't hurt to resupply and a last drink before I make my march into infamy wouldn't go amiss. But it would mean stepping foot in the city of the King. Given the amount of prejudice I received even in the area I grew up, I dread to think what a half-breed would face in the capitol.
To make matters worse, I saw the storied Barrowfield. Oh, how I would have loved to have a poke about inside! But no. No distractions, no detours. I am too close now to allow such a thing. Of course, if I survive, then why not come back this way and have a little dig? As long as I go unnoticed, I'll be fine. And part of the temptation is imagining those ratty, bearded mugs when they realise that their beloved monarchs have been so rudely disturbed. Hah!
I couldn't quite bypass Underharrow without taking my steed for a swim, so I had no choice but to go through this time. I didn't stop. I didn't reveal my face. Luckily these people were too few in number and too self-absorbed to care who I was or why I was passing through. Whatever troubles are facing this land, it is to my advantage!
I'm camped in the woods just beyond the little town for now. It's closer than I'd like; I can still see the lights from the mead hall through the trees, but I daren't try to navigate that winding cliff path in the night. Better that we rest here, my steed and I, and move on to Dunharrow in the morning.
